Footwear With One or More Removable and Interchangeable Panels

ABSTRACT

A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole coupled to the upper, a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insert positioned proximal a junction between the upper and the midsole, and a shoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe. The midsole insert may further comprise a magnet within the channel that mates with a magnet of the shoe panel. Alternatively, the midsole insert channel may comprise one or more locking slots configured to receive one or more protrusions extending from the shoe panel. The shoe panel may be a midfoot or heel panel and may be detachably coupled to the upper by a hook and loop closure. The shoe may be a cupsole shoe with the midsole channel positioned proximal a junction between an inner surface of a vertical wall of the cupsole and the upper.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/659,417 entitled “Footwear With One or More Removable andInterchangeable Panels” filed on Oct. 21, 2019 which is a continuationof U.S. application Ser. No. 15/424,475 entitled “Footwear With One orMore Removable and Interchangeable Panels” filed on Feb. 3, 2017 andclaims priority under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/291,984 entitled“Footwear With One or More Removable and Interchangeable Panels” filedon Feb. 5, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/400,035 filed on Sep. 26, 2016 entitled “Footwear With One or MoreRemovable and Interchangeable Panels”, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments in general relate to footwear having a removable andinterchangeable panel or portion.

2. Related Art

Many people prefer to wear footwear that matches the colors and/or styleof their clothing. Conventional footwear requires the wearer to changeshoes in order to change the color scheme or style of the shoe to matchthe wearer's preferences relative to the wearer's clothing. Thisrequires the purchase of multiple pairs of shoes in various colorsand/or styles which is expensive and requires a great deal of space tostore the shoes when not in use.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to footwearcomprising one or more interchangeable panels. The footwear includesvarious features that individually or in combination allow one or morepanels to be coupled to an upper of the shoe and removed andinterchanged as the wearer desires.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe footwear in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of the footwearthat will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matterof the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining atleast one embodiment of the footwear in detail, it is to be understoodthat the footwear is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The footwear iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

Implementations of a shoe may comprise an upper, a midsole coupled tothe upper, and a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insertpositioned proximal a junction between the upper and the midsole, themidsole insert further comprising a magnet within the channel. The shoemay further comprise a shoe panel configured to detachably couple to theupper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end comprising amagnet and configured to seat within the channel of the midsole insertand mate with the magnet within the channel.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features.The shoe panel may be a midfoot panel comprising a second end configuredto seat within a second channel on an opposite side of the shoe. Theshoe may further comprise a midfoot hook and loop closure panel on theupper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loopclosure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel. The shoe mayfurther comprise a vamp hook and loop closure panel on the upper that isconfigured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panellocated on an underside of the midfoot panel. The midfoot panel maycomprise one or more reinforcement elements on at least one of the firstand second ends of the midfoot panel. The upper may further comprise atongue extending upward from a vamp of the shoe, the tongue comprising atongue side extension on at least one side of the tongue and a quartercomprising a quarter extension on each of a first and a second side ofthe tongue, the quarter extensions configured to overlap onto an uppersurface of the tongue. At least one of the quarter extensions maycomprise a magnet and the midfoot panel may comprise a magnet configuredto mate with the magnet of the at least one of the quarter extensionsThe midfoot panel may comprise a plurality of eyelets comprising a lacerunning therethrough. The channel may be substantially L-shaped. Themagnet may be positioned in a portion of the L-shaped channel thatextends inward toward a center of the midsole.

Implementations of a shoe may comprise an upper, a cupsole coupled tothe upper, a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insertpositioned proximal a junction between an inner surface of a verticalwall of the cupsole and the upper, the midsole insert further comprisinga magnet within the channel, and a shoe panel configured to detachablycouple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first endcomprising a magnet and configured to seat within the channel of themidsole insert and mate with the magnet within the channel.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features.The channel of the midsole insert may further comprise a lower, recessedchannel. The magnet within the channel may be positioned within thelower, recessed channel. The midsole insert may comprise a first end anda second end distal from one another that each have a narrower widththan a width of a midpoint of the channel. The channel may comprise aplurality of locking slots therein. The first end of the shoe panel maycomprise a plurality of protrusions configured to seat within thelocking slots of the channel.

Implementations of a shoe may comprise an upper, a cupsole coupled tothe upper, a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insertpositioned proximal a junction between an inner surface of a verticalwall of the cupsole and the upper, the midsole insert further comprisinga plurality of locking slots therein, and a shoe panel configured todetachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising afirst end a plurality of protrusions configured to seat within thelocking slots of the channel.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features.The channel of the midsole insert may further comprise a lower, recessedchannel. The plurality of locking slots may be located within the lower,recessed channel. The midsole insert may comprise a first end and asecond end distal from one another that each have a narrower width thana width of a midpoint of the channel.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, andaccustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.The inventor is fully aware that he can be his own lexicographer ifdesired. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographers, touse only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specificationand claims unless he clearly states otherwise and then further,expressly sets forth the “special” definition of that term and explainshow it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clearstatements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is theinventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaningto the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification andclaims.

The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and applicationof the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of thewords “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or BriefDescription of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehowindicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions,the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases“means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function”(i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insertfunction]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure,material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claimsrecite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step forperforming the function of . . . , ” if the claims also recite anystructure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or thatperform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define theclaimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limitedonly to the specific structure, material or acts that are described inthe preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and allstructures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function asdescribed in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or thatare well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures,material or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference characters, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein. Elements and acts in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been renderedaccording to any particular sequence or embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of footwearhaving a removable midfoot panel.

FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 without the footwear upper.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a midsole comprising first and secondrecesses.

FIG. 4 provides an embodiment of a midsole comprising a midsole insert.

FIGS. 5A-5C are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6-7 and 12-13 depict exemplary embodiments of a removable midfootpanel.

FIGS. 8-9 depict an exemplary embodiment of footwear comprising quarterextensions.

FIGS. 10-11 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel seatedwithin a channel of the midsole.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment of footwear comprising aremovable heel panel.

FIGS. 15-18 depict an embodiment of a midfoot panel comprising a midfootpanel tab.

FIGS. 19-20 depict an embodiment of footwear comprising quarterextensions and tongue side extensions.

FIG. 21 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of footwearcomprising a midfoot panel having laces.

FIGS. 22-23 depict an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel comprisingan embellishment recess and embellishment, respectively.

FIGS. 24 and 26 depict an exemplary embodiment of footwear comprising acupsole and a midsole insert comprising a lower, recessed channel.

FIG. 25 provides a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 24and 26.

FIG. 27 depicts and embodiment of footwear comprising a plurality oflocking slots within a channel insert and a plurality of protrusions ona midfoot panel.

FIG. 28 provides a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of footwear comprising removable and interchangeablepanels, suitable methods and materials are described above. Allpublications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to theextent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The footwearcomprising removable and interchangeable panels may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributesthereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiments beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Anyheadings utilized within the description are for convenience only andhave no legal or limiting effect.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, andany reference to more than one component or step may include a singularembodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected orthe like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, fulland/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any referenceto without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contactor minimal contact. As used herein, phrases such as “make contact with,”“coupled to,” “touch,” “interface with” and “engage” may be usedinterchangeably.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention describedthroughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases“exemplary embodiments”, “some embodiments” or other similar languagerefers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment may beincluded in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “exemplary embodiments”, “in someembodiments”, “in other embodiments” or other similar language,throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the samegroup of embodiments, and the described features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Manyadditional components and assembly procedures known in the artconsistent with the intended footwear and/or assembly procedures forfootwear with interchangeable panels will become apparent for use withimplementations of footwear from this disclosure. Accordingly, forexample, although particular footwear is disclosed, such footwear,interchangeable panels, and implementing components may comprise anyshape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration,material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for suchfootwear and interchangeable panels and implementing components,consistent with the intended operation of footwear.

Contemplated as part of this disclosure are various embodiments offootwear comprising removable and interchangeable panels. It is notedthat although the drawings provided herein generally depict “saddleshoe”-styled footwear, the disclosures described herein may be appliedto any of a variety of other styles of footwear, such as but not limitedto brogue, derby, blucher, wingtip, sandals, slides, open-toed shoes,boots and the like. For example, while the removable and interchangeablepanels shown herein are typically positioned over a midfoot portionand/or a heel portion of the upper of a saddle shoe footwear, it is alsocontemplated that removable and interchangeable panels may be similarlypositioned and removably coupled to an upper proximate the front or toebox portion of an upper of footwear, a side of an upper of footwear, andthe like.

FIG. 1 provides a non-limiting example of a shoe 10 comprising an upper11, a midsole 12 and an outsole 13. As shown, this embodiment furthercomprises an interchangeable shoe panel which is depicted here bynon-limiting example as a midfoot panel 14. The interchangeable shoepanel is not intended to be limited to a midfoot panel 14 and mayalternatively be located proximal a heel or toe box of the shoe 10.Thus, while a midfoot panel 14 will be discussed as an exemplaryembodiment, it is to be understood that characteristics of the midfootpanel 14 and any methods of coupling the midfoot panel 14 to the shoeare also applicable to shoe panels located elsewhere on the shoe 10.

FIG. 2 provides a view of an embodiment of a shoe comprising aninterchangeable midfoot panel 14 without the upper 11 being shown so asto better illustrate the structure of the midsole 12. As shown, themidsole 12 comprises a recess 18 configured to allow a first end 15 anda second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 to be seated within the recess18. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to position the recess 18such that the first and second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 areable to fit within a channel 19 formed by the recess 18 substantiallyadjacent to an upper 11 of the shoe 10. The channel 19 and/or the recess18 may comprise one or more magnets configured to mate with one or moremagnets positioned at an end of a shoe panel. FIG. 3 provides an exampleof the location of the recesses 18 relative to an edge of the midsole 12such that the outer edge of the recess 18 is proximal to the point atwhich the upper 11 abuts the midsole 12. While the recess 18 is shownhere at the midfoot, it is to be understood that such a recess 18 may bepresent at any location on the midsole 12 at which it is desirable tocouple a shoe panel to the shoe 10.

While the recess 19 itself may form a channel 19 sufficient to receive afirst end 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or of a shoepanel positioned elsewhere on the shoe 10, in some embodiments, as shownin FIGS. 4-5C, a midsole insert 17 may be positioned within the recess18 such that the midsole insert 17 rather than the recess 18 itselfforms a channel 19 configured to receive at least one of a first 15 anda second 16 end of the midfoot panel 14 or a shoe panel locatedelsewhere on the shoe 10. The midsole insert 17 may comprise one or moremagnets positioned within the channel 19 such that the one or moremagnets are configured to mate with one or more magnets 42 positioned ata first 15 and/or second end 16 of a shoe panel. FIGS. 5A-C providecross-sectional views of the midsole 12 and midsole insert 17. As shown,in some embodiments, the channel 19 may be substantially L-shaped whenthe midsole insert 17 is inserted into the recess 18 in the midsole 12.As shown, the channel 19 may be formed by the midsole insert 17 and themidsole 12, however, in other embodiments, the channel 19 may be formedentirely by the midsole 12 itself or by the midsole insert 17 itself.The substantial L-shape of the channel 19 of FIG. 5A aids in securingthe first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or other shoepanel into the channel 19 as the top horizontal portion of the midsoleinsert 17 prevents the first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfootpanel 14 or other shoe panel from slipping out of the channel 19 whenthe first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 is tucked intothe portion of the channel 19 that is substantially perpendicular to theoutsole 13. As shown in FIGS. 5B-C, in some embodiments, the channel 19may further comprise a channel magnet 43 which is configured to matewith a midfoot panel magnet 42 located on the midfoot panel 14. Asshown, the channel magnet 43 may be positioned in at least a portion ofthe channel 19 that is substantially parallel to the outsole 13 so as toallow adequate space in the channel to accommodate insertion of themidfoot panel 14 without the need to widen the channel 14. However, itis also contemplated that the channel magnet 43 may be located in anyother portion of the channel 14 that allows the channel magnet 43 tomate with the midfoot panel magnet 42.

FIGS. 6-7 provide an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel 14. Asshown, the midfoot panel 17 may comprise one or more midfoot panel hookand loop closure panels 21 on an underside of the midfoot panel 14 thatare configured to mate with one or more midfoot hook and loop closurepanels 20 on the midfoot of the shoe 10 as depicted in FIGS. 10-11. Thefirst and/or second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or any othershoe panel may comprise one or more reinforcement elements 23 proximalto an edge of the first and/or second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel14. The one or more reinforcement elements 23 may be comprised of metal,plastic, or any other material of sufficient rigidity to aid in guidingthe first and/or second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 into thechannel 19 of the midsole 12 and/or midsole insert 17. In someembodiments, the one or more reinforcement elements 23 may be comprisedof a magnetic material that is configured to mate with one or morecorresponding magnets in the midsole 12 or midsole insert 17. As shownin FIGS. 8-9, in some embodiments, the shoe 10 may comprise a vamp hookand loop closure panel 22 located proximal a vamp 26 of the shoe 10which is configured to mate with one or more midfoot panel hook and loopclosure panels 21 located on an underside of the midfoot panel 14. Thepresence of such hook and loop closure panels aids in securing themidfoot panel 14 or other shoe panel to the upper 11 of the shoe andprevents slippage or movement of the midfoot panel 14 or other shoepanel when in use on the shoe 10; however other fastening mechanismssuch as, by non-limiting example, a snap, a button, a pin, an adhesive,or a magnet may also be used to secure one or more shoe panels to theupper 11. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, in some embodiments, theshoe 10 may comprise a slip-on shoe comprising one or more quarterextensions 27 extending from the quarter 25 of the shoe. These quarterextensions 27 may comprise one or more quarter extension magnets 28 thatare configured to mate with one or more midfoot panel magnets 29, anexample of which is depicted in FIGS. 12-13.

FIGS. 10-11 provide examples of the channel 19 formed by the midsole 12and/or midsole insert 17. As shown, in some embodiments, the midfoothook and loop closure panel 20 may extend along the upper 11 such thatthe midfoot hook and loop closure panel 20 is substantially adjacent tothe channel 19 to ensure that the midfoot panel 14 remains firmlycoupled to the upper 11 when in use.

FIGS. 12-13 provide an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel 14comprising a plurality of eyelets 30 and a lace 31 which allows for aslip-on shoe to appear to be a laced shoe when the midfoot panel 14 iscoupled to the upper 11. FIG. 12 depicts the upper side of the midfootpanel 14 which may be comprised of a material with a finished look, suchas but not limited to stained or color treated leather, vinyl, plastic,rubber, and the like. The underside of the midfoot panel 14 is depictedin FIG. 13 and it should be noted that while the midfoot panel hook andloop closure panels 21 are shown as encompassing a significant portionof each side of the midfoot panel 14, it is also contemplated that oneor more smaller midfoot panel hook and loop closure panels 21 couldalternatively be located on the underside of the midfoot panel 14. Aperspective view of the midfoot panel 14 in use on the shoe 10 isdepicted in FIG. 21. While some embodiments of the midfoot panel do notcomprise eyelets 20 and/or laces 31, in this example, the lace 31 of themidfoot panel 14 may be tightened to the wearer's desired tightness tosecure the underlying shoe 10 to the user's foot with the desired fit.

FIG. 14 provides an alternative embodiment of a shoe 10 comprising aheel panel 32 which may be coupled to the heel by a heel panel hook andloop closure panel 33 that corresponds with a hook and loop closurepanel on the upper 11 of the shoe 10. An end of the heel panel 32 may beseated within a channel 19 of the midsole 14 and/or midsole insert 17located at the heel of the shoe 10.

FIGS. 15-18 provide an exemplary alternative embodiment in which thefirst and/or second end 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 comprises amidfoot panel tab 35 that extends outward from the first and/or secondend 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14. This midfoot panel tab 35 isconfigured to be seated within a channel indentation 36 within themidsole 12. In some embodiments, a midsole insert 17 may be used to formthe channel 19 and the channel indentation 36 may be located within themidsole insert 17. It is also contemplated by this disclosure that ashoe panel located elsewhere than at the midfoot of the shoe 10 maycomprise such a panel tab that is configured to be seated within acorresponding channel indentation 36 of the midsole 12 and/or midsoleinsert 17.

Some embodiments of the shoe 10 may comprise one or more eyelets 30 thatare integral to the shoe and configured to receive a lace 31 and assuch, a midfoot panel 17 is not limited to the examples provided in thefigures and may alternatively be coupled to the shoe 10 such that themidfoot panel 17 does not cover or obstruct the laces 31 and/or thetongue 24 of the shoe 10. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.19-20, the shoe 10 is a slip-on shoe comprising a quarter extension 27extending from the quarter 25 of the shoe 10 on each side of the tongue24. The tongue 24 comprises a tongue side extension 37 on each side ofthe tongue 24 proximal the end of the tongue 24 closest to the heel ofthe shoe 10. When the shoe 10 is worn, the tongue side extensions 37 aretucked under the quarter extensions 27 to hold the tongue 24 in placeand allow for a substantially smooth surface over which the midfootpanel 17 is placed and coupled to the shoe 10. The quarter extensions 27may further comprise quarter extension magnets 28 configured to matewith one or more midfoot panel magnets 29 as previously discussed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 22-23, a shoe panel or the upper11 may comprise one or more embellishment recesses 34 configured toreceive an embellishment 39 or other decorative element. Theembellishment recess 34 may comprise an embellishment recess magnet 38or other fastening element such as, by non-limiting example, a snap, ahook and loop closure, a pin, a button, or an adhesive that isconfigured to mate with a corresponding magnet or other fasteningelement on the embellishment 39 or other decorative element. This allowsthe embellishment 39 or other decorative element to be interchanged asthe user desires.

FIG. 24 provides an exemplary embodiment of footwear comprising acupsole 40 that is coupled to the upper 11. As shown, the midsole insert17 is positioned between the cupsole 40 and the upper 11. In someembodiments, the channel 19 of the midsole insert 17 further comprises alower, recessed channel 41. In some embodiments, the midsole insert 17may comprise a canoe-like shape, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, in which afirst end 46 and second end 47 of the midsole insert 17 have a narrowerwidth than a width of the midpoint 48 of the channel 19. Thisstreamlined shape of the midsole insert 17 allows adequate space in thechannel 19 to receive the midfoot panel 14 without a gap between thecupsole 40 and the upper 11 at the first 46 and second 47 ends of themidsole insert 17. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 25, thelower, recessed channel 41 may comprise a magnet 43 therein that isconfigured to mate with a magnet 42 of the midfoot panel 14 to securethe midfoot panel 14 in place. In some embodiments, the midfoot panel 14may further comprise a midfoot panel extension 49 extending outward froma first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 to which themidfoot panel magnet 42 may be coupled. The midfoot panel extension 49may have a substantially same length or a shorter length than the lengthof the first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 toaccommodate the length of the magnet 43 within the lower, recessedchannel 41.

As shown in FIGS. 27-28, in some embodiments, the channel 19 of themidsole insert 14 may comprise one or more locking slots thereinconfigured to receive one or more protrusions 45 extending from a first15 and/or a second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14. The one or moreprotrusions 45 snap or lock into place using a friction fit.Alternatively, the one or more protrusions 45 may further comprise amagnet configured to mate with a magnet within the one or more lockingslots 44 (not shown).

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of footwear comprising one or more interchangeablepanels, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit thereof and that theseimplementations may be applied to other to systems and techniques forfootwear having interchangeable panels.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe comprising: an upper; a midsole coupled tothe upper; a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insertpositioned proximal a junction between the upper and the midsole, themidsole insert further comprising a magnet within the channel; and ashoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, theshoe panel comprising a first end comprising a magnet and configured toseat within the channel of the midsole insert and mate with the magnetwithin the channel.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe panel is amidfoot panel comprising a second end configured to seat within a secondchannel on an opposite side of the shoe.
 3. The shoe of claim 2, furthercomprising a midfoot hook and loop closure panel on the upper that isconfigured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panellocated on an underside of the midfoot panel.
 4. The shoe of claim 2,further comprising a vamp hook and loop closure panel on the upper thatis configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panellocated on an underside of the midfoot panel.
 5. The shoe of claim 2,wherein the midfoot panel comprises one or more reinforcement elementson at least one of the first and second ends of the midfoot panel. 6.The shoe of claim 2, wherein the upper further comprises: a tongueextending upward from a vamp of the shoe, the tongue comprising a tongueside extension on at least one side of the tongue; and a quartercomprising a quarter extension on each of a first and a second side ofthe tongue, the quarter extensions configured to overlap onto an uppersurface of the tongue.
 7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein at least one ofthe quarter extensions comprises a magnet and the midfoot panelcomprises a magnet configured to mate with the magnet of the at leastone of the quarter extensions.
 8. The shoe of claim 2, wherein themidfoot panel comprises a plurality of eyelets comprising a lace runningtherethrough.
 9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the channel issubstantially L-shaped.
 10. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the magnet ispositioned in a portion of the L-shaped channel that extends inwardtoward a center of the midsole.
 11. A shoe comprising: an upper; acupsole coupled to the upper; a midsole insert comprising a channel, themidsole insert positioned proximal a junction between an inner surfaceof a vertical wall of the cupsole and the upper, the midsole insertfurther comprising a magnet within the channel; and a shoe panelconfigured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panelcomprising a first end comprising a magnet and configured to seat withinthe channel of the midsole insert and mate with the magnet within thechannel.
 12. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the channel of the midsoleinsert further comprises a lower, recessed channel.
 13. The shoe ofclaim 12, wherein the magnet within the channel is positioned within thelower, recessed channel.
 14. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the midsoleinsert comprises a first end and a second end distal from one anotherthat each have a narrower width than a width of a midpoint of thechannel.
 15. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the channel comprises aplurality of locking slots therein.
 16. The shoe of claim 15, whereinthe first end of the shoe panel comprises a plurality of protrusionsconfigured to seat within the locking slots of the channel.
 17. A shoecomprising: an upper; a cupsole coupled to the upper; a midsole insertcomprising a channel, the midsole insert positioned proximal a junctionbetween an inner surface of a vertical wall of the cupsole and theupper, the midsole insert further comprising a plurality of lockingslots therein; and a shoe panel configured to detachably couple to theupper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end a plurality ofprotrusions configured to seat within the locking slots of the channel.18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the channel of the midsole insertfurther comprises a lower, recessed channel.
 19. The shoe of claim 18,wherein the plurality of locking slots is located within the lower,recessed channel.
 20. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the midsole insertcomprises a first end and a second end distal from one another that eachhave a narrower width than a width of a midpoint of the channel.